Classic Poem

Tower and mountain-peak are glancing
On the clearly mirroring Rhine,
And my bonny bark is dancing,
Haloed by the gay sunshine.

Calm I watch the golden breaking
Of the tiny waves' unrest;
Gently are the feelings waking
Which I buried in my breast.

Tender wiles and welcome showing;
The fair river tempts to doom;
For I know that placid flowing
Hides beneath it death and gloom.

Thou art like my love, oh river,
Fair, above — below, deceit —
She too lures one on for ever,
And her smiles seem true and sweet.